Have you ever wondered how a concrete floor was able to have designs and imprints on them? Have you ever wondered how a shiny and magnificent flooring looks like its made of tiles but is not because there are no tile grooves present? Isnt it beautiful to see an elegant concrete designed with different hues, patterns and shapes? Is it really possible to create a timeless design that will last ages with concrete? The answer to these questions lies in Concrete Stamping, a method of concrete polishing.

Concrete Stamping is a method of concrete polishing that involves the placement of patterns and different shapes onto the concrete floor. It is mostly like stenciling on a concrete surface. First step is to pour the new concrete making sure that it is over 4 thick. Then a colorant is directly applied to the concrete mix allowing it to settle in the surface with a 1/8 thick dimension. A water based stain is advisable since it can be directly applied to the newly poured concrete.

Next step is to strengthen and bond the color using a color hardener. A color hardener should be equally distributed to the whole colored/ treated concrete area. Next is to place color release agents on the concrete surface after which the stamping mat is placed. Color release agents come in powder form and make the design come out of the stamping mat. It is advisable to place the right amount of release agents, not too thick that it can soak through the stamping mats.

The design should be well imprinted on the concrete surface before removing the stamping mats. Remaining release agents and other debris should be washed down with a power washer before sealing off the entire surface with the chosen sealant.

Stamped concrete are prone to fading especially when it is applied in an outdoor setting. To avoid this problem, deicing salts should not be included in the concrete mixture as they tend to react with the sealer and will produce a very thin air gap between it. This air gap over time will pop and result in a crack like appearance on your concrete surface.

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